The Florida Panthers signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a seven-year, $70 million contract on Monday, the first day of NHL free agency. The move was necessary by the Panthers, following the retirement of 19-year veteran goalie Roberto Luongo last Wednesday, and Sunday’s trade of Luongo’s former backup James Reimer.
Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Dale Tallon in a statement: “Sergei is an elite starting goaltender who has consistently proven to be one of the best in the NHL. Adding a world class goalie with Sergei’s abilities and experience will give us a solid foundation in net and the confidence to win every night as we look towards this next era of Panthers hockey in South Florida.”
Bobrovsky, 30, appeared in 62 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, posting a 37-24-1 record, .913 save percentage, 2.58 goals against average and a league-leading, career-best nine shutouts. In the postseason, the 6-foot-2, 182-pounder, played in all 10 of Columbus’ playoff games, owning six wins, a .925 save percentage and 2.41 goals against average.
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